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For some people giving is based on neediness. Learning to love oneself deeply, the desire to give can be accomplished in ways other than just through material gifting.

It is important that each of us give what we can, and it can be a smile, a phone call; a cup of coffee to the next door neighbor. It can be a pat on the head to a shelter animal, words of cheer to the person bringing your mail. Giving is a great topic. Thanks for bringing it up.

Connections can be renewed when we look each other in the eye. When we touch another's hand, and wish them well. This opens the heart. When is the last time, we invited our next door neighbor in?

You're right Marti, it does seem simple but it can be very complex. In families, especially, where there can sometimes be a sense of rivalry and competition in who gives what to whom and where it falls on the scale of being "the perfect gift" ... whew. I never got involved in that aspect of gift giving, but I did often go overboard in getting too many gifts in years past ... the shopping mania in the stores would get to me and I would keep going back, see something that was ON SALE and just have to get ANOTHER gift for someone I'd already bought for. Because of my own weakness for retail therapy I was like the Energizer Bunny before Christmas. I think part of it may have stemmed from memories of childhood Christmases where the gifts were few, and I subconsciously wanted to make sure that would not happen? Something like that. When I moved a distance from my siblings, I sent gifts I'd created myself, and received no gifts from them nor any acknowledgement. I kept doing it for a few years and then stopped. These days, a leisurely phone call from family is the gift I look forward to the most.

Breath of Fire, your post is great. The simple act of giving another our attention and connecting with them in a genuine way is priceless.

Yes! Breathofire1 hits the mark. Part of the giving is in the recognition of receiving on the part of the recipient as opposed to alternative societal/conventional views.

I think I have received too many gifts in life. I am a very fortunate person compared to the rest of the world. I have given many generous material gifts in my life. Nowadays,I prefer to give my heart, my smile, a glint in my eye, etc. I try to support others in their issues, but most of all, turning 60 this year, I am learning to fill myself with love. In that way, others are attracted to positive energy. That is the gift. The connection, and warmth. Hearts touching. A simple, "Merry Christmas" and a smile lights everyone up. I have given myself permission to live my truths.